Robert Elkington

Biodegradable implants for bone fracture fixation are a relatively new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat bone fractures. These implants are made from biodegradable materials that are designed to dissolve over time, eliminating the need for additional surgery to remove them.

One of the main benefits of biodegradable implants is that they can help reduce the risk of infection and complications associated with traditional metal implants. They also avoid the need for a second surgery to remove the implant, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Another advantage of biodegradable implants is that they can provide support for the bone as it heals, while also promoting the growth of new bone tissue. This can help to improve the overall healing process and reduce the risk of complications such as non-union or malunion of the bone.

There are currently several types of biodegradable implants available for use in bone fracture fixation, including those made from polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), polydioxanone (PDO) and also metal based alternatives. Each of these materials has its own unique properties that make it suitable for different types of fractures and patients. Among the metal ones a lot of interest is raising around magnesium alloys that have the advantage of having appropriate mechanical properties, high biocompatibility and to promote bone in-growth.

It is important to note that biodegradable implants are not suitable for all types of fractures or patients. They are typically used for fractures that are considered to be low-risk and are not expected to experience high levels of stress during the healing process.

Despite these limitations, biodegradable implants are a promising technology that could have a significant impact on the way we treat bone fractures in the future. As research in this area continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and effective biodegradable implant options for patients.

In conclusion, biodegradable implants for bone fracture fixation are a relatively new technology that holds great promise for the future. These implants are made from biodegradable materials that are designed to dissolve over time, eliminating the need for additional surgery to remove them. They can help reduce the risk of infection and complications associated with traditional metal implants, while promoting the growth of new bone tissue. With more research, the limitations of these implants can be overcome and they can be used to treat a wider range of fractures.

 

References:

[1] K. Kumar, R. S. Gill, and U. Batra, “Challenges and opportunities for biodegradable magnesium alloy implants,” Mater. Technol., vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 153–172, Jan. 2018, doi: 10.1080/10667857.2017.1377973.

 

This article was written by Giulio Cavaliere as part of a series articles curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Giulio Cavaliere is investigating Additively manufactured biodegradable alloys for bone replacement at Uppsala University, Sweden.

Valborg, also known as Walpurgis Night, is an annual Swedish tradition that takes place on the last day of April. This celebration marks the arrival of spring and is a time for people to come together and celebrate the end of winter.Valborg is a particularly special tradition in the city of Uppsala, located in central Sweden. The city is home to one of the oldest universities in Sweden, Uppsala University, and the celebration of Valborg is particularly grand and lively in the city, with a festive atmosphere and many different events taking place.

The origins of Valborg can be traced back to the pre-Christian era, when the ancient Germanic people celebrated the arrival of spring with a festival called Walpurgis Night. The name “Valborg” is derived from the name of the Christian saint Walpurga, who was celebrated on May 1st in medieval times.

The city of Uppsala also has a tradition of boat parades on the Fyris river, where people gather to watch beautifully decorated boats passing by, with music and singing. The more than 100 polystyrene boats are carved and decorated by students and compete to survive the longest through a series of small waterfalls.
Another popular event is the Valborg concert held at the Uppsala Cathedral, featuring choirs and brass bands.

 

This article was written by Giulio Cavaliere as part of a series articles curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Giulio Cavaliere is investigating Additively manufactured biodegradable alloys for bone replacement at Uppsala University, Sweden.

Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a common procedure that can relieve pain and improve mobility in individuals with hip joint damage. The procedure involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one, typically made of metal or plastic. The benefits of hip replacement surgery include a significant reduction in pain, increased mobility and an improved quality of life. Many people who have hip replacement surgery report that their pain is greatly reduced, and their ability to perform daily activities is improved.

One of the most common reasons for hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage in the joint to wear away. This can result in bone-on-bone contact, causing pain and stiffness. Other reasons for hip replacement surgery include rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply) and fractures.

Hip replacement surgery is typically considered when other treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, have failed to provide relief. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take several hours to complete. After the surgery, patients will need to go through a period of recovery and rehabilitation to help them regain their mobility and strength.

It is important to note that like any surgical procedure, there are risks involved such as infection, bleeding, blood clots and implant failure. In some cases, the implant may not function properly or may become loose, requiring a revision surgery. Additionally, there is a risk of nerve or blood vessel injury during the procedure.

However, the success rate for hip replacement surgery is quite high and most people who have the procedure experience a significant improvement in their pain and mobility. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the surgery with your doctor to determine if it is the right choice for you.

 

This article was written by Ben Clegg part of an ongoing series of scientific communications written and curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Ben is researching the Wear particle characterization and bio-compatibility of newly 3D printed self-lubricating polymer composites in total joint replacements at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden.

 

Total hip replacement (THR) is a common procedure used to relieve pain and improve mobility for those suffering from hip arthritis or other hip-related conditions. However, there are different types of THR available, each with their own pros and cons.

One type of THR is known as a cemented hip replacement, usually for older patients with less remaining healthy bone around the femur and acetabular components. The cement helps secure the implant into place along with the slightly weaker bone. This procedure involves using a cement to secure the prosthetic implant to the natural bone. Pros of this procedure include a high success rate and the ability to return to normal activities quickly. Cons include a longer recovery time and a higher risk of complications.

Another type of THR is known as an uncemented hip replacement. Usually for the younger profile of patients, that have healthy bone around the hip, that is able to regrow and secure itself onto the surface of the implant, ensuring a symbiotic relationship between the human and the implant. This procedure does not use cement, instead, the implant is designed to bond with the natural bone over time. Pros of this procedure include a lower risk of complications and a shorter recovery time. Cons include a slightly lower success rate and a longer rehabilitation period.

A third type of THR is called a hybrid hip replacement. This is usually for patients that have healthy bone, but a section of the femur or acetabular has been damaged or compromised (via disease or physical impact) so that that area needs some cement to help secure the implant. This procedure involves using a combination of cement and uncemented techniques. Pros of this procedure include a high success rate and a shorter recovery time. Cons include a higher risk of complications and a longer rehabilitation period.

In conclusion, the type of total hip replacement you choose will depend on your individual needs and preferences. It is important to discuss the pros and cons of each type with your surgeon to determine the best option for you. Ultimately, the goal of any hip replacement is to relieve pain and improve mobility, so it is important to choose the option that will best achieve that goal for you.

 

This article was written by Ben Clegg part of an ongoing series of scientific communications written and curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Ben is researching the Wear particle characterization and bio-compatibility of newly 3D printed self-lubricating polymer composites in total joint replacements at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden.

If you work with in vitro bone analysis, probably you have already used the pre-osteoblastic cell line called MC3T3-E1. Nowadays, this is the most used cell line for bone focused experiments. This cell line was selected amongst several subclones because it showed a high differentiation rate (cell commitment to a cell line) and mineralization (calcium deposition) after being grown in media containing ascorbic acid. Of course, it also can be used for other testing e.g., proliferation or cytotoxicity.

Almost all in vitro studies regarding material biocompatibility for bone regeneration use MC3T3 cells, sometimes together with other cell types, so it is really important to deeply understand their behavior. Of particular importance, as mentioned above, is the presence of vitamin C in the growth medium.

In a paper that I have recently stumbled upon [1], Izumiya et al analyze the effect of different commercial cell medium that contain vitamin C on MC3T3 cells. They also compared those with some homemade media with different amount of ascorbic acid in it. This paper shows that the use of different media can substantially modify the outcome of an experiment, regarding: cell proliferation, differentiation and mineralization.

The real reason behind this experiment is that, despite MC 3T3 cells are used worldwide and on a daily basis, there is no standardized growth protocol and each experiment is performed under laboratory-specific culture conditions [1]. In my opinion, this is leading the scientific community to possible misinterpretations of data and it is really difficult to compare data from different studies. Reading this paper or simply being aware of the problem is surely the first step to contribute to a better in vitro system analysis.

 

References:

[1] Izumiya et al (2021). Evaluation of MC3T3-E1 Cell Osteogenesis in Different Cell Culture Media. Molecular Science. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22147752.

 

This article was written by Niccoló De Berardinis as part of an ongoing series of scientific communications written and curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Niccoló is researching Bioimaging of biomaterials and biological characterization of 3D-printed alloys for reconstructive surgery at Uppsala University, Sweden.

As many universities do, Uppsala University offers to its PhD students the possibility to include some courses into their study plan, but it also requires some mandatory courses as well to be included in it. The courses vary from department to department and, in my case, there were three of them. To be more precise, I had to take an: ethic, biostatistics and a scientific presentations course.

To be honest, I started this mandatory process thinking if that was really necessary since we all went through a really hard PhD selection and also a MSc and BSc studies in which we have already demonstrated our knowledge and skills (in my case also in the course contents). So, to put it bluntly, I was not very thrilled at the idea, but of course I understand the thought behind it and objectively speaking these are really important and necessary things to know, so it makes sense that a great institution such as Uppsala University want to be sure that its students are very well acquainted with these arguments. We are talking about standards here, and for sure it is good to have them both in science and in other fields.

But, when I really started, since the very first lessons of the first course, I truly understood that I was wrong. Of course, they were talking about things that I already know, but they were also putting us in the right state of mind and disposition to confront possible problems that we could find in our future career. Now I have finally took all three courses and I really can say that I was definitely enriched by them. I am with a much wider network, knowledge and understandings. So, I guess that the morale here is, never get something for granted even if you think that you know everything about it. Sometimes another perspective can give you the insights that you were searching for, especially in science.

 

This article was written by Niccoló De Berardinis as part of an ongoing series of scientific communications written and curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Niccoló is researching Bioimaging of biomaterials and biological characterization of 3D-printed alloys for reconstructive surgery at Uppsala University, Sweden.

Undoubtedly, choosing the right set-up for your experiment is one of the most critical steps when working in science. The problems that we scientists want to solve, the innovation that we want to bring, are almost always very complex phenomena. This is why we have to simplify them into small experiments from which we can build our thesis.

My research is based on biomaterials developed for orthopedic purposes, therefore, I work a lot with bone cells, bone related assays, and whatnot. So, if you are searching for a handy guide on how to evaluate osteoimmunomodulatory properties of biomaterial you have come to the right place. I always suggest to my student to read and fully understand a review article by Mestres et al [1], before starting to do some lab work. The title of the paper is: “A practical guide for evaluating the osteoimmunomodulatory properties of biomaterials”. In this case, I know personally some of the authors so perhaps I am a little bit biased, but I will let you decide should you want to go through it.

In my opinion, this paper contains all the information needed to someone that is trying to approach to the bone-biomaterials world. It contains background and advanced knowledge about the interaction between immune cells and bone cells, the fracture healing and the bone remodelling processes and also a lot of information about cell types, methodologies and cellular assays to run in vitro testing on your biomaterial.

So should you want to change your in vitro experimental approach, take a look at this amazing work.

 

Header Image: Graphical Abstract of A practical guide for evaluating the osteoimmunomodulatory properties of biomaterials [1].

 

References:

[1] Mestres et al (2022). A practical guide for evaluating the osteoimmunomodulatory properties of biomaterials. Acta Biomaterialia. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2021.05.038.

 

This article was written by Niccoló De Berardinis as part of an ongoing series of scientific communications written and curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Niccoló is researching Bioimaging of biomaterials and biological characterization of 3D-printed alloys for reconstructive surgery at Uppsala University, Sweden.

Header Image Source: The Best Way To Learn German: What You Probably Don’t Know (bestplacestovisitgermany.com)

Multilingualism has evolved beyond being merely “essential” in the modern world. It has become clear that learning a language different than your mother tongue is quite advantageous. For example, for an international PhD student like me, learning German in Switzerland is highly important for a variety of reasons. Switzerland is a multilingual country with four official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh. German is the most widely spoken language in Switzerland and is used in many official and business contexts. Knowing German can be especially important for those living in the German-speaking parts of Switzerland, such as Zurich and Bern.

First, being able to speak German in Switzerland can greatly improve one’s ability to communicate with the local population, including in the workplace. It allows for better integration and inclusion into Swiss society, making it easier to form connections and build relationships with colleagues and friends.

Additionally, having a good command of German can open up many more opportunities for employment in Switzerland. Many Swiss companies conduct business in German, and many jobs require German language skills. Furthermore, German is often used as a common language in international companies and organizations based in Switzerland, making it a valuable skill for those looking to work in such environments.

Furthermore, Understanding and being able to speak German also allows for greater access to Swiss culture and society. German is the language of many newspapers, books, and other forms of media in Switzerland, and understanding the language can help to better understand the country’s culture, history, and politics.

In summary, learning German in Switzerland is important for inclusion, communication, working opportunities and cultural understanding. Having a good command of German can greatly improve one’s ability to navigate and succeed in Swiss society, whether in a personal or professional context.

“Auf Wiedersehen!”

 

This article was written by Alessio Amicone as part of an ongoing series of scientific communications written and curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Alessio is investigating the Elucidation of Friction-Induced Failure Mechanisms in Fibrous Collagenous Tissues at ETH Zürich, Switzerland.

We always talk about tribology and biotribology, after all, it is our main topic in this fantastic project. But to whom do we owe the birth of tribology? During the network-wide training being held in London, Connor Myant started the conference by asking: “do you know who Peter Jost was? The man to whom we owe the birth of tribology”. But why is Peter Jost considered the father of tribology?

Only after eye-opening British research called “The Jost Report” in the 1960s did tribology start to receive widespread recognition. In fact, in 1964, the UK Department of Education and Science asked a working committee led by Dr. H. Peter Jost to look at the condition of lubrication education and research and to offer their judgment on the requirements of industry.

When the group reported in February 1966, it proposed a new word to describe this multidisciplinary field – tribology, from the Greek root “τριβo” meaning rubbing or attrition [1]. According to the Oxford English Dictionary tribology is defined as “the branch of science and technology concerned with interacting surfaces in relative motion and with associated matters (as friction, wear, lubrication, and the design of bearings)”.

Mechanical engineers, materials scientists, physicists, and chemists were needed to advance tribology. In consequence, tribological developments have supported a large portion of engineering development worldwide. Tribology is most frequently linked with bearing design, but it has applications in all sectors of contemporary technology where surfaces interact, including seemingly unexpected ones like hair conditioners and cosmetics [1].

Jost’s work in tribology has been instrumental in establishing the field as it is today. An output from this Jost’s reviews was the development of the field of biotribology – Championed by Prof Dowson at the University of Leeds. Biotribology is the subfield of tribology which deals with the interactions between biological systems and their environment, specifically the friction, wear, and lubrication of biological systems. Prof Dowson’s contributions to establishing accepted lubrication equations and drive innovation in testing and materials tribology has helped to improve the design and function of medical devices, implants, and prostheses, and have had a significant impact on the fields of biomechanics, biomaterials, and biomedicine.

Jost passed away on June 2016, but his legacy lives on through the countless researchers, engineers, and practitioners who have been influenced by his work.

References

1-Fifty years of tribology | Department of Engineering (cam.ac.uk)

 

This article was written by Alessio Amicone as part of an ongoing series of scientific communications written and curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

Alessio is investigating the Elucidation of Friction-Induced Failure Mechanisms in Fibrous Collagenous Tissues at ETH Zürich, Switzerland.

Header image: Nanofiber morphology of PCL/zein electrospun mats prepared from a 70/30 vol./vol.

A recent publication titled “Co-electrospun PCL/Zein membranes as scaffolds for articular cartilage engineering” by the ETH team was featured in MDPI Bioengineering. This paper builds upon the research initially presented at ETH’s Materials and Processes seminar in 2022. The study explores the application of Zein, a corn protein widely used in food packaging and drug encapsulation industries, in the development of tissue engineering scaffolds for articular cartilage.

Through co-electrospinning, the team successfully reduced protein adsorption by half compared to scaffolds made solely of bovine serum albumin and equine synovial fluid. Additionally, the PCL/Zein membranes exhibited lower roughness when compared to pure PCL scaffolds. These favorable characteristics are believed to be attributed to the enhanced spreading of bovine chondrocytes cultivated on the membrane surfaces.

Overall, this research highlights the potential of co-electrospun PCL/Zein membranes as promising scaffolds for articular cartilage engineering, showcasing their improved protein adsorption properties and reduced surface roughness.

Check out the paper below:

Plath, A.M.S.; Huber, S.; Alfarano, S.R.; Abbott, D.F.; Hu, M.; Mougel, V.; Isa, L.; Ferguson, S.J. Co-Electrospun Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Zein Articular Cartilage Scaffolds. Bioengineering 2023, 10, 771. https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10070771

 

This article was written by André Plath as part of a series articles curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

André is one of BioTrib’s Early Stage Researcher‘s who is investigating Boundary Lubrication of Fibrous Scaffolds at ETH Zürich, Switzerland.

As the colorful and vibrant month of June rolls around, we find ourselves immersed in the spirit of LGBTQIA Pride Month, a time to honor and celebrate the diverse identities within the queer community. While Pride Month resonates with people from all walks of life, it is particularly significant for researchers and academics in STEM, including the field of medical engineering. This article delves into the importance of LGBTQIA representation in the realm of medical engineering and highlights the strides made by the community.

Promoting Inclusivity in Medical Engineering:

Inclusivity is the cornerstone of progress in any field, and medical engineering is no exception. By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment, we encourage creativity, innovation, and breakthroughs. LGBTQIA researchers and academics bring unique insights and experiences that can profoundly impact medical engineering’s trajectory.

Supporting LGBTQIA Students and Professionals:

Creating a welcoming space for LGBTQIA individuals in medical engineering is paramount. Institutions and organizations can play a vital role by establishing LGBTQIA support networks, mentorship programs, and providing resources for queer students and professionals. Recognizing the specific challenges faced by LGBTQIA individuals in the workplace and academia, such initiatives can foster a sense of belonging and help overcome barriers.

Research on LGBTQIA Health:

While tremendous progress has been made, significant gaps remain in understanding and addressing LGBTQIA health disparities. Medical engineers have an opportunity to contribute by focusing their research on LGBTQIA-specific health issues, such as gender-affirming surgeries, hormone therapy, mental health support, and improving healthcare access. By addressing these needs, researchers can directly impact the lives of LGBTQIA individuals, promoting equitable healthcare outcomes.

Collaboration and Intersectionality:

The LGBTQIA community intersects with various other identities, and recognizing this intersectionality is crucial. Collaborative efforts between medical engineers, clinicians, psychologists, and other professionals can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of LGBTQIA health concerns and generate innovative solutions.

 

As we celebrate Pride Month, let us take this opportunity to recognize the importance of diversity and inclusivity in medical engineering. By fostering an environment that welcomes LGBTQIA+ researchers and professionals, supporting their unique perspectives, and focusing on LGBTQIA+ health disparities, we can make significant strides towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all. Together, let us champion diversity and create a world where every individual’s identity is celebrated and valued. Happy Pride Month!

On 26 May 2023, BioTrib hosted Tatiana Vieira, director of the Brasilea Foundation in Switzerland. Her talk “Inclusive Language: Beyond the Political Correctness” was watched by consortium members. For one hour, the participants practices to avoid sexist, racist, and other biased or prejudiced ideas were discussed. Tatiana also shared her experiences presenting two case studies at the SWI and Radio X a radio and tv broadcast.

In summary, inclusive language consists of practices to eliminate noise in communication and avoid discrimination and the feeling of exclusion based on gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, etc.  In an international and diverse group, this is an important debate. With the talk, we expect to incorporate inclusive language into our communications and make the network more inclusive.

 

This article was written by André Plath as part of a series articles curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

André is one of BioTrib’s Early Stage Researcher‘s who is investigating Boundary Lubrication of Fibrous Scaffolds at ETH Zürich, Switzerland.

Research is messy and full of failed attempts. Trying to protect students from that reality does them a disservice.

In “Why I teach my students about scientific failure”, Jennifer Lanni discusses the experience of giving students failed western blot results and the discussions these triggered. The students’ deception of not having precise results stimulates deep discussions and potential troubleshooting routes.

The text resonated with some of the feelings I always had. When presenting seminars and in group meetings, I frequently felt I hid some of the mishaps in my project. I try showing the things that worked instead of showing the process and troubleshooting behind the failed experiments. The text opened my eyes to academic honesty and how we all could benefit from showing “some weaknesses”. It also gave me a better understanding of how open data would benefit us all in the scientific community and how different groups could learn from others’ failures. I believe in a world with more dissemination and open failure communication, less data fabrication and fraud would exist.

 

References

Why I teach my students about scientific failure, AAAS Articles DO Group. (2021). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.caredit.acz9901.

 

This article was written by André Plath and Giulio Cavaliere as part of a series articles curated by BioTrib’s Early Stage Researchers.

André is one of BioTrib’s Early Stage Researcher‘s who is investigating Boundary Lubrication of Fibrous Scaffolds at ETH Zürich, Switzerland.

Ph.D. students, myself included, often ask themselves: Is my research leading somewhere? Am I going to create any impact with my project? The daily chores, “publish or perish”, and increasing competition for senior positions push students to create data in a record time; however, not everything that is published is reproducible or could lead to clinical/translational applications.

To address this, Daniel Lakens in a recent World View paper for nature discusses the importance of creating methodological review boards. In his opinion, by having methods scrutinized, students could approach or phrase the initial research questions more efficiently, and determine what tests should be made, sample size, etc.  Baker gives several tips on how to publicize protocols and increase reproducibility. She mentions that people might work with the same materials and obtain different results, and for eliminating this, thorough descriptions and revisions by peers are necessary. For this, she lists a series of online tools.

These two cases might not be the solution to all problems, but they certainly address some of them. By reviewing the methodology and aligning it to the initial research question, early-career scientists might make progress faster and have their daily struggles reduced.

References

Lakens, D. (2023) Is my study useless? why researchers need methodological review boards, Nature News. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-04504-8 (Accessed: 24 May 2023).